Responding to new massive torque demands Sisu Axles

RESPONDING TO NEW

MASSIVE TORQUE DEMANDS

Sisu Axles manufactures heavy-duty planetary axles for a wide range of vehicle types from trucks and container handling equipment to military vehicles. These axles are subject to extreme forces whilst delivering very heavy loads. Increasing competition among vehicle manufacturers has forced Sisu to make their axles capable of delivering even more exceptional torque and superior handling, as Philip Yorke reports.

Sisu Axles is a market-leading, Finnish industrial engineering company that is active in three key areas: heavy-duty trucks, defence equipment and tractors. It works with many of the world’s biggest OEM’s including Kenworth, Western Star, Peterbilt and Ginaf.

The high-tech axles that go into these vehicles must be extremely durable and offer greater torque capacity than ever before. To ensure the new axles meet the increasing demands of their global customers, the product development team at Sisu Axles requires the most accurate measurement data possible and the some of the world’s highest specification production processes.

Delivering greater all-round accuracy

To underscore the importance of achieving unrivalled accuracy in its new product development activities, Jouni Teppo, director of R&D at Sisu said, “It is essential for our new product development that design data can be verified using a highly accurate test bench. We can then make sure that what has been calculated takes place in practice. With the data we receive, we can make significant savings in production costs. Accurate and real-time torque data is extremely important to us.”

According to Teppo, the biggest advantage of the installation of its new HBM T40 torque transducers is that they offer an exceptional level of highly accurate torque measurement data. With the earlier test benches the measuring error could have been several percent, however thanks to this latest investment in new technology, it is possible to achieve 0.05 percent accuracy.

Advanced wireless data transmission

According to Sisu, one of the benefits of the latest transducers it employs is that torque data can be transmitted wirelessly from the test bench. The digital torque data signal is transferred wirelessly by telemetry from rotor to stator. The compact size of the new transducer also means that it takes up very little space in the test bench itself. Furthermore, the wireless data transmission capability simplifies both transducer installation and test bench operations. Sisu Axles’ new system is also easier to integrate with existing measurement systems and electronics.

In addition to accurate data and wireless transmission the third important benefit of Sisu’s state-of-the-art measurement systems is that its results are available at all times. Real-time measurement data can therefore be displayed on a PC screen and can also be stored in the measurement database.

New star performer

The Western Star XD-25 extreme-duty truck, is a monster machine by any standards, and one that delivers more than 25 tonnes of load capability. It is also equipped with a Detroit engine that delivers up

to 560 HP and a peak torque of up to 1850 lb. ft. The Sisu FR2P32 planetary axles are responsible for delivering the XD-25’s massive engine torque to the ground. This high-speed tandem boasts a 70,000 lb. GAWR (gross axle weight rating) combined with top speeds of approximately 104 kph (65 mph) making it the outstanding global performer in its class

“Western Star chose Sisu for the XD-25 due to its blue-chip reputation and dedication to robustness and quality,” said John Tomlinson, XD & Vocational Sales Manager for Western Star. “This truck represents the durability and ruggedness needed within our construction and off-road hauling markets. We are excited to have Sisu as a part of the XD Series family and know they are the perfect choice for meeting the XD-25’s stringent requirements.”

Sisu axles are engineered using only premium components to provide optimum performance and reduced maintenance for extended product life. The double reduction, high-speed planetary axles come in a variety of ratios ranging from 4.11 to 12.53 and provides up to 600,000 lb. GCWR (gross combination weight rating).

“Sisu axles first became available from Marmon-Herrington in 2011. Since then, our companies have collectively taken this product to the next level,” said Dan Souhan, Sales & Marketing Director for Marmon-Herrington. “By offering the industry’s only Rapid Response Program, Marmon-Herrington is also able to deliver key products in 30-days or less. This program has aided greatly in allowing our customers to win new business and we are excited to offer Sisu axles as part of this program.”

World-beating Tandem and Tridem axle sets

Sisu’s parent company, Marmon-Herrington recently announced the release of a new 90,000 lbs. Sisu tandem axle set, and a new 136,000 lbs. Sisu tridem axle set. These latest world class product releases are double reduction planetary drive axles for heavy duty applications within the North American truck market.

For approved applications, the new tandem axle offers a maximum GCWR (gross combination weight rating) of 400,000 lbs. and the tridem axle offers a maximum GCWR of 600,000 lbs. Sisu Axles has also increased maximum approved ratings for its industry standard 70,000 lbs. tandem axle set to 400,000 lbs. GCWR, and 600,000 lbs. GCWR for its 106,000 lbs. tridem axle set.

“We are pleased to offer these new products to satisfy the needs of our loyal mining, heavy haul, and oil & gas fleet users,” said Rick Blair, Marmon-Herrington OEM President. “Sisu products have long been known for their exceptional reliability and strength. The new 90K tandem and 136K tridem allows us to continue a tradition of offering industry-best products to our customers.”

“We care about our customers and listen to their needs. We’re constantly striving and adapting to provide product solutions that meet the ever-changing needs in each of their industries,” said Dan Souhan, director of Sales and Marketing, “These new offerings exceed the ratings of other products currently on the market. The 600,000 lbs. GCW rating for both the 106K and 136K tridem sets a new standard for high speed, double reduction planetary axles.”

Production of these eagerly anticipated new offerings has already begun and products are now available to ship worldwide. It is worth noting that Sisu Axles has been supplying similar 90,000 lbs. tandem and 136,000 lbs. tridem axles for many years to customers outside the North American market. For more details about Sisu’s latest heavy-duty axles and services visit: www.sisuaxles.com n